Hi All--Today's plant raises a number of questions. What is the definition of the word "variety"? I have usually thought of a hosta variety as a group of plants that all have very similar, if not identical, characteristics that remained the same over years. If that is true, what do we call the group of plants such as the one called "Ice Age Trail"? It was given as a gift plant to those who attended the Midwest Hosta convention in 2002 and has since made it into the market. It is an unstable, streaked plant and so the grower does not know what its appearance will be for at least several years. It may be that the plant will never settle down and have the same variegation pattern. If and when the plant does settle down, is it then a unique "variety" that should/could have its own name, something other than "Ice Age Trail"? Inquiring minds need to know. Does anyone have the answers?
The appearance of Ice Age Trail in our Friendship Garden has done what might be expected. Its has had different variegation in each of its two years. It did not produce any seeds but if it had I would have grown them because Ice Age Trail has produced some nice variegated seedlings. With measurements of 12x7 and 13x8 it has shown a growth rate slower than what might be expected for a plant that should be medium sized at maturity. But then, what is "maturity" for this kind of plant?
So far I like mine. Here's what it looked like in 2006 when if was new and this past season. Slow growth rate. I will move it to a location with more light in the spring and we'll see what it does.
It is so sloooow, but I love it. After 3 years mine is a nice full plant wwith the size..very small/small ... think I will look for a mature sixe in 2012 or so
Against stupidity the gods themselves struggle in vain.
E-mail for pics hostapics@gmail.com
HI--For those who are interested in detailed information about the proper usage of "variety" and "cultivar" and "species", etc., I suggest you go to the hostapix list at Yahoogroups.com W. George Schmid and Bill Meyer have posted very comprehensive messages there in response to my Pic of the Day--Ice Age Trail.
Hank
Better Gnomes & Gardens
zone 4B-5A
Latitude: 43° 48' 51" N
I got it from Chris!